Elite runner’s qualification for UTMB World Series Finals
Held annually at the renowned Dacia UTMB Mont-Blanc, the UTMB World Series Finals are the pinnacle of trail running. Elite qualification is awarded only through the UTMB® World Series Events or UTMB World Series Majors.
Qualification with the UTMB Score (New rule)
In addition to the Top 3 qualifications for Events and Top 10 for Majors, all runners who obtain a UTMB Score (*) higher or equal to the one mentioned in this table, on one of the races of the UTMB World Series circuit in the 50K, 100K or 100M categories, will be qualified for the final of the same category. If one event has two different races in the same category, only one can qualify elite runners for the finals
UTMB Score Explained
The UTMB score is the number awarded to each finisher of a UTMB World Series Final, Major, Event race or UTMB Index race in the 20K, 50K, 100K and 100M categories depending on performance (boxed in blue in the image on the right). The UTMB Index is established by taking into account the 5 best scores (boxed in blue in the image on the right).
Example: For example, Blandine L'Hirondel got a UTMb Score of 797 when she won the CCC in 2022. Her overall UTMB Index is 810.
The aim of developing this system is to allow you to know at the end of your race if you are qualified for the UTMB World Series Finals. This system replaces the current "second chance" selection: https://utmb.world/second-chance
Qualification period for the UTMB World Series finals (New rule)
The qualification period is now the calendar year prior to the finals and no longer a 15 month period prior to the finals. For example, races in 2023 qualify for the corresponding 2024 finals, races in 2024 for the 2025 finals.
AN ADVANTAGEOUS TRANSITION PERIOD FOR ELITES
To facilitate the application of these new rules (new qualification period and introduction of the qualification with the UTMB Score), a transition period is set up from January 2023 to August 2023. During this period, runners will accumulate the benefits of both qualification systems. Thus, all races qualifying runners for the Finals that take place during this period will qualify for the 2023 Finals (under the rules announced in 2022) AND the 2024 Finals (under the new rule). Example: The first woman (overall ranking) in the 100M race of the Istria 100 by UTMB 2023 or the third man in the 100M race of The Canyons Endurance Run by UTMB will benefit from a guaranteed access to the UTMB 2023 but also to the UTMB 2024. Similarly, the "second chance selection" and the qualification by score are cumulative in 2023:
- If a runner does not get a direct selection by score but is in the top 50 runners in the "second chance" list, he/she will receive direct access for the corresponding Final.
- If a runner does not appear in the "second chance" list but qualifies by score, he/she will receive direct access to the corresponding Final.
Change of category
Any runner can request a change of category, one category above or below. The exception to this is a 20K result cannot qualify for the OCC. The request will be evaluated by the UTMB World Series Sport Committee, and will depend on the reason given by the runner and the availability of bibs in the requested race. Requests should be made as soon as qualification is obtained.
Elite Runner Registration Benefits
Elite runners can obtain a free access or direct access to the UTMB World Series Events and UTMB World Series Majors
In order to give fair recognition to high level athletes and to ensure a fair management of entry applications, we grant acess to elites runners based on their UTMB Index in the category of the race they chose to compete.
- Elite runners must register during the registration period, no registration will be accepted after the deadline.
- Once a distance is sold out, the event organiser has the right to refuse an elite registration.
- All elites must register to a race at least 60 days before the race.
Runners meeting the criteria below may benefit from the above registration conditions.
Women
| Distance Category | 50K | 100K | 100M |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct* and free entry | 710 | 690 | 650 |
| Direct* and paid entry Region 1 | 650 | 610 | 560 |
| Direct* and paid entry Region 2 | 560 | 520 | 450 |
Men
| Distance Category | 50K | 100K | 100M |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct* and free entry | 850 | 820 | 800 |
| Direct* and paid entry Region 1 | 800 | 770 | 720 |
| Direct* and paid entry Region 2 | 710 | 660 | 660 |
*Direct access applies to races where there is a lottery for general access. All applications must be recieved during the lottery registration period.
Regions are base on the location of the race and not the nationality of the runner.
Region 1: USA, Europe, China, Oceania
Region 2: All other countries and regions.
UTMB WORLD SERIES – ELITE SUPPORT PROGRAM
The UTMB World Series Elite support program aims to support 100 athletes (50 men and 50 women) to participate in one of the UTMB World Series events. We are sensitvive to helping athletes who need it the most, for example young athletes and/or athletes whose economic situation makes it difficult to participate in major events.
If you have any question regarding the UTMB World Series elite support program please contact our team : elites@utmb.world
